Combination tilt switch and lamp holder for lift type lids



Apnl 5, 1955 R. B. FARNON COMBINATION TILT SWITCH AND LAMP HOLDER FORLIFT TYPE LIDS Filed July 24, 1952 Fig. 2.

- Inventor. Pobert. B.Far-non,

His Attorney 1 es Patent-" COMBINATION TILT SWITCH AND LAMP HOLDER FORLIFT TYPE LIDS Robert B. Far-non, Erie, Pa., assignor to GeneralElectric Company, a corporation of New York Application July 24, 1952,Serial No. 300,683

6 Claims. c1. 240-4 My invention relates to illuminating means andpertains more particularly to illuminating structures including tiltoperated switching means.

Illuminating structures including tilt operated switches such as mercurytilt switches are sometimes employed in cabinet constructions forilluminating the interiors of the cabinet when lids closing accessopenings in the cabinets are lifted or opened. To obtain satisfactoryoperation of the lamps in such'structures it is essential that the tiltswitches be retained in the structures in particular radial positionswith respect to them and that the structures in turn be mounted andretained in particular radial positions relative to the lids.Heretofore, this particular positioning of the switches and the lampholding structures has proved time consuming in the assembly of thecabinets. Also, since the positioning of the switches and the lampholders was often dependent upon human judgment, correct positioning andsatisfactory operation of the lamps were not ensured. Y

A primary object of my invention is to provide an improved combined lampholder and tilt switch. Another object of my invention is to providewith an improved combined lamp holder and tilt switch improved mountingmeans whereby satisfactory lamp operation is ensured.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an improved combinedlamp holder and tilt switch comprising parts adapted for facilitatingthe assembly thereof. Further objects and advantages of my inventionwill become apparent as the following description proceeds and thefeatures of novelty which characterize my invention will be pointed outwith particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of thisspecification.

In carrying out the objects of my invention, 1 provide a tilt switchindexed in a lamp holder which is in turn indexed in a bracket adaptedfor mounting the lamp holder on a cabinet lid.

For a better understanding of my invention, reference may be had to theaccompanying drawing in which:

Fig. l is a fragmentary showing of a freezer cabinet illustrating myinvention incorporated therein;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating the meanswhereby my illuminating structure is mounted;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the mountingbracket; v V

Fig. 4 is an enlargement of a section taken along the line 4-4 in Fig. land looking inthe direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a section taken along the line 55 in Fig. 4 and looking in thedirection of the arrows; and

Fig. 6 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 5 but illustrating the lampholder in a different radial position.

In Fig. l, I have shown partially a freezer cabinet 1 comprising a chest2 and a lift lid 3 hingedly connected to the chest by a plurality ofhinges 4, only one of which is shown. The lid 3 comprises an outer lid 5and a spaced inner lid 6. Disposed between the outer and inner lids 5and 6, respectively, is my improved cabinet illuminating structuregenerally designated 7. As better seen in Fig. 2, the structure 7includes a mounting bracket 8 and a member or lamp holder 9 adapted forbeing held in a predetermined radial position by the mounting bracket.

The bracket 8 is formed of a resilient material such as steel and, asbest seen in Figs. 2 and 3, includes a base portion v 10 and anupstanding portion 11 inclined I v 2,705,750 Patented Apr. 5,. 1.955

'ice

with respect to the base portion. The base portion 10 includes anenlarged opening 12 whereby it fits over a substantially frusto-conicalportion 13 of a lamp mask 14 formed of a heat insulative material suchas plastic. The frusto-conical portion 13 of the mask 14 includes a rim13a shaped to conform to the contour of an electric lamp. Lugs 15 formedon the upper surface of the mask 14 pass through suitable openings inthe base portion 10 of the bracket 8 and are formed over the edges ofthe openings so as to fasten the mask to the bracket. The mask 14 alsoincludes a base portion 16, the contiguous edges of which are formed toprovide a shoulder 17. In order to hold the illuminating structure 7 inthe lid 3, the shoulder 17 on the mask 14 cooperates with a tab 18 bentout of the base portion 10 of the bracket 8 and a resilient retainingmember 19 formed off the base portion of the bracket opposite the tab18. In mounting the structure 7, the assembler inserts it into the lid 3through an opening 20 in the inner lid 6. One side edge of the opening20 becomes positioned between the shoulder 17 and the tab 18. Then theassembler presses on the lamp mask 14 whereby the resilient member 19 isdepressed by the opposite side edge of the opening ZO'and the oppositeside edge of the opening is positioned between the resilient member andthe shoulder 17. In this manner the structure is removably and securelyheld in place in the space betwen the inner and outer lids, and theinclined portion 11 of the bracket is so positioned as to extendsubstantially transverse the axis of rotation of the lid 3.

The inclined portion 11 of the bracket 8 includes an opening 21 shapedto receive the lamp holder 9. The edge of the opening 21 is furthershaped to provide a pair of irregularities or indentations 22. Theindentations 22 are adapted for receiving a corresponding pair ofirregularities or projections 23 formed longitudinally on the surface ofthe lamp holder 9. While I have shown the indentations 22 and theprojections 23 as being spaced degrees apart, it will be seen that anyspacing less than degrees will prove satisfactory. This arrangementfacilitates assemblage of the structure and ensures predetermined radialpositioning or indexing of the lamp holder 9 relative to the bracket 3,since the lamp holder is not insertable into the bracket opening 21 inany position other than the predetermined radial position. It will beseen that one, or more than two, cooperating indentations 22 in the edgeof the bracket opening 21 and projections 23 on the lamp holder 9 may beemployed. Of course, when two or more are employed, the spacing apartthereof must always be such as to perrnit insertion of the lamp holderinto the bracket in only one or a single predetermined radial position.It will be seen further that indexing of the lamp holder 9 in thebracket 8 in the just described manner results also in thepredetermination of the radial position of the lamp holder when the lid3 is in the open and closed positions thereof.

The lamp holder 9 is formed of an insulative material and, as seen inFigs. 4, 5 and 6, comprises two substantially identical half pieceswhich shall be hereinafter referred to as the left and right side pieces24 and 25, respectively. One of the pairs of projections 23 compriseshalf a projection formed on the left side piece 24 and another half of aprojection formed on the right side piece 25. The other of the pairs ofprojections '23 is formed wholly on the left side piece 24. It will beseen that instead of having the projections 23 formed on the lampholder, the lamp holder could be provided with longitudinal grooves forreceiving corresponding projections formed on the edge of the opening 21in the bracket.

The side pieces 24 and 25 are formed with cooperating recesses 26wherein, when the side pieces are assembled to form the lamp holder 9,is housed a mercury tilt switch 27 or any other switch adapted for beingoperated through tilting movements. The mercury switch 27 comprises twoopposed cup-shaped metal terminals 28 which are suitably securedtogether and insulated from each other. The interior space of the switchis divided by an insulative diaphragm indicated by 29 in Fig. 4 and inwhich is formed an aperture 30. Within the switch 27 is a small quantityindicated by 31 of mercury which completes a circuit between theterminals 28' when the switch is radially positioned so that theaperture in the diaphragm 29 is submerged in the mercury in the mannershown in Fig. 5. When the switch 27 is radially positioned so that theaperture 30 is above the level of the mercury 31, for example, in theposition shown, in Fig. 6, the circuit between the terminals 28 isinterrupted by the diaphragm 29.

The terminals 28 are each formed with a contact recess 32. The contactrecess 32 in one of the terminals 28 receives a contact button 33 formedon a contact arm 34 to which is electrically connected an insulated wire35 leading to any suitable power source. Arms 36 extending outwardlyfrom either side of the contact arm 34 and also extending forwardlyassist in maintaining the mercury switch 27 satisfactorily positioned inthe lamp holder. The contact recess 32 in the other terminal 28 receivesa contact button 37 formed on a resilient contact arm 38. Arms 39extending outwardly from either side of the contact arm 38 and extendingrearwardly also assist in maintaining the mercury switch 27satisfactorily positioned in the lamp holder. The. contact arm 38 ispart of a U-shaped member 40. The U-shaped member 40 includes a secondarm 41 which is suitably secured to a portion 42 formed off the leftside piece 24 of. the lamp holder 9. Formed on the second arm 41 is acontact button 43 adapted for being engaged by another contact button 44on the threaded base 45 of, an electric lamp 46. The base 45 of the lamp46 is threadedly engaged in a socket 47. A contact strip 48 formed offthe socket 47 electrically connects the socket with another lead wire 49to the mentioned power source. A detent arm 50 formed by being bent outof the side of the socket 47 engages in a slot 51 formed between theleft and right side pieces of the lamp holder 9. Engagement of thedetent arm 50 in the slot 51 is effective for retaining the socket 47 inthe lamp holder 9 and for preventing rotation of the socket in the lampholder during threading of the lamp 46 into and out of the socket. Inthe arrangement described to this point completion of a circuit throughthe lamp 46 to energize the lamp is dependent upon the radial positionof the mercury switch 27 As seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the mercury switch 27is predeterminedly positioned or indexed in the lamp holder 9 by meansof an indentation 52 formed in the side of the switch and adapted forreceiving a projection 53 formed in the recess 26 in the left side piece24 of the lamp holder. By this arrangement, predetermined radialpositioning of the switch in the lamp holder is ensured since the switchwill not otherwise fit into the lamp holder, or in other words,positioning of the switch in the lamp holder is limited to a singlepredetermined radial position. This predetermined radial positioning ofthe switch in the lamp holder could be alternatively obtained byproviding a projection on the switch and a corresponding predeterminedlylocated indentation in the recess 26 in the lamp holder.

It will be seen that my improved illuminating structure 7 is adapted forbeing assembled and mounted without the use of tools or reliance on thejudgment of the assembler. Additionally, satisfactory lamp operation isensured since my structure is incapable of being assembled and mountedin any way other than that in which satisfactory lamp operation results.The indentation 52 in the mercury switch 27 by receiving the projection53 in the lamp holder facilitates and ensures satisfactory radialpositioning or indexing of the switch relative to the lamp holder. Theindentations 22 in the bracket 8 by receiving the projections 23 on, thelamp holder 9 facilitate and ensure satisfactory radial positioning orindexing of the lamp holder relative to the bracket. The resilience ofthe bracket both holds the lamp 46 in resilient engagement with the rimof the frusto-conical portion 13 of the mask 14 whereby the lamp holder9 is retained in the bracket opening 21 and facilitates replacing thelamp if and when such replacement is required. The tab 18 and theresilient member 19 formed ofi the bracket base portion 10 cooperatewith the shoulder 17 formed on the mask base portion 16 for facilitatingmounting and dismounting of the bracket 8 in a predetermined position inthe lid. All this serves to ensure the radial positioning of the mercuryswitch 27 in the manner shown in Fig. 5 when the lid 3 is opened to theposition thereof in Fig. 1. In this position the diaphragm aperture 30is submerged in the mercury 31 and the circuit between the terminals 28of the switch is completed for energizing the lamp 46 and therebyilluminating the interior of the cabinet 1. When the lid 3 is closed andillumination of the cabinet interior is no longer required, the mercuryswitch 27 will be radially positioned in the manner shown in Fig. 6 inwhich position the diaphragm aperture 30 is above the level of themercury 31 and the lamp circuit is interrupted.

While I have shown and described a specific embodiment of my invention,I do not desire my invention to be limited to the particular form shownand described, and I intend by the appended claims to cover allmodifications within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is:

1. In a construction including a cabinet, an access opening and a liftlid hingedly connected to said cabinet for closing said access opening,means for controlling illumination of the interior of said cabinet inaccordance with the position of said lid comprising a member holding alamp, a tilt operated switch carried by said member, cooperatingirregularities in said member and said switch limiting positioning ofsaid switch in said member to a single predetermined relative radialposition, said switch controlling an energizing circuit for said lamp inaccordance with the radial positioning of said switch, a bracket adaptedfor being mounted in a predetermined radial position on said lid to holdsaid member, cooperating irregularities in said bracket and said memberlimiting the positioning of said member in said bracket to a singlepredetermined radial position, said predetermined radial positioning ofsaid switch in said member, of said member in said bracket and of saidbracket on said lid ensuring completion of said lamp circuit by saidswitch when said lid is open and interruption of said lamp circuit bysaid switch when said lid is closed.

2. In a construction including a cabinet, an access opening and a liftlid hingedly connected to said cabinet for closing said access opening,means for controlling illumination of the interior of said cabinet inaccordance with the position of said lid comprising a memberfor holdinga lamp, a tilt operated switch carried by said member, an indentationformed in said switch, a projection formed in said member cooperatingwith said indentation in said switch thereby to limit positioning ofsaid switch in said member to a single predetermined radial position,said switch controlling an energy circuit for said lamp in accordancewith the radial position of said switch, a bracke adapted for beingmounted in a predee termined radial position on said lid, said bracketinclude ing an opening for receiving said holder, the edge of saidopening inclding an indentation, a projection formed on said membercooperating with said indentation in said edge of said opening therebyto limit positioning of said member in said bracket to a singlepredetermined radial position, the predetermined radial positioning ofsaid switch in said member, of said member in said bracket and of saidbracket on said lid ensuring completion of said lamp circuit by saidswitch when said lid is open and interruption of said lamp circuit bysaid switch when said lid is closed.

3. In a construction including a cabinet, an access opening and a liftlid hingedly connected to said cabinet for closing said access opening,means for controlling illumination of the interior of said cabinet inaccordance with the position of said lid comprising a lamp, a member forholding said lamp, said member including a recess, a tilt operatedswitch carried by said member in said recess, an indentation formed insaid switch, a projection formed on said member in said recesscooperating with said indentation in said switch thereby to limitpositioning of said switch in said member to a single predeterminedradial position, said switch controlling the circuit through said lampin accordance with the radial positioning of said switch, a bracket,said bracket including a base portion adapted for being secured to saidlid, said bracket further including a portion upstanding from said baseportion, said last mentioned portion of said bracket including anopening for receiving said member, the edge of said opening including anindentation, a projection formed on said member cooperating with saidindentation in said edge of said opening thereby to limit positioning ofsaid member in said upstanding portion of said bracket to a singlepredetermined radial position, said predetermined radial positioning ofsaid switch in said member and of said member in said upstanding portionof said bracket ensuring completion of said lamp circuit by said switchwhen said lid is open and interruption of said lamp circuit by saidswitch when said lid is closed.

4. In a construction including a cabinet, an access opening and a liftlid hingedly connected to said cabinet for closing said access opening,means for controlling illumination of the interior of said cabinet inaccordance with the position of said lid comprising a lamp, a memberholding said lamp, said member including a recess, a tilt operatedswitch carried by said member in said recess, an indentation formed insaid switch, a projection formed ofi said member in said recesscooperating with said indentation in said switch thereby to limitpositioning of said switch in said member to a single predeterminedradial position, said switch controlling a circuit through said lamp inaccordance with the radial positioning of said switch, a bracket, saidbracket including a base portion adapted for being secured to said lid,said bracket further including a portionextending substantiallytransverse the axis of rotation of said lid, said last mentioned portionof said bracket including an opening for receiving said member, the edgeof said opening including a plurality of radially extendingindentations, a corresponding plurality of radially extendingprojections formed on the exterior of said member cooperating with saidindentations in said edge of said opening, the spacing of saidcooperating indentations and projections limiting the positioning ofsaid member and said bracket to a single predetermined radial position,said predetermined radial position of said switch in said member and ofsaid member in said bracket ensuring completion of said lamp circuit bysaid switch when said lid is open and interruption of said circuit bysaid switch When said lid is closed.

5. In a construction including a cabinet, an access opening and a liftlid hingedly connected to said cabinet for closing said access opening,means for controlling illumination of the interior of said cabinet inaccordance with the position of said lid comprising a lamp, a member forholding said lamp, said member including a recess, a tilt operatedswitch carried by said member in said recess, an indentation formed insaid switch, a projection formed off said member in said recesscooperating with said indentation in said switch thereby to limitpositioning of said switch in said member to a single predeterminedradial position, said switch controlling a circuit through said'lamp inaccordance with the radial positioning of said switch, a lamp mask, abracket, said bracket including a base portion, said base portion beingsecured to said mask and cooperating therewith for mounting said bracketon said lid, said bracket further including a resilient portionextending substantially transverse the axis of rotation of said lid andinclined with respect to said base portion, said resilient portionincluding an opening for receiving said member, the edge of said openingincluding a plurality of radially extending indentations, acorresponding plurality of radially extending projections formed on theexterior of said member cooperating with said indentations in said edgeof said opening, the spacing of said cooperating indentations andprojections limiting the positioning of said member and said resilientportion-of said bracket to a single predetermined radial position, saidpredetermined radial positioning of said switch in said member and ofsaid member in said bracket ensuring completion of said lamp circuit bysaid switch when said lid is open and interruption of said lamp circuitby said switch when said lid is closed, said resilient portion of saidbracket holding said lamp in resilient engagement with said lamp maskwhereby said member is retained in said opening in said resilientportion.

6. In a construction including a cabinet, an access opening and a liftlid hingedly connected to said cabinet for closing said access opening,means for controlling illumination of the interior of said cabinet inaccordance with the position of said lid comprising a lamp, a member forholding said lamp, said member including a recess, a mercury switchcarried by said member in said recess, an indentation formed in saidswitch, a projection formed off said member in said recess cooperatingwith said indentation in said switch thereby to limit positioning ofsaid switch in said member to a single predetermined radial position,said switch controlling a circuit through said lamp in accordance withthe radial position of said switch, a lamp mask, said mask including arim conforming to the contour of said lamp, a bracket, said bracketincluding a base portion, said base portion being secured to said maskand cooperating therewith for removably mounting said bracket on saidlid, said bracket further including a resilient portion extendingsubstantially transverse the axis of rotation of said lid and inclinedwith respect to said base portion, said resilient portion of saidbracket including an opening for receiving said member, the edge of saidopening including a pair of radially extending indentations, acorresponding pair of radially extending projections formed on theexterior of said member cooperating with said indentations in said edgeof said opening, the spacing of said pairs of cooperating indentationsand projections being less than degrees whereby the positioning of saidmember in said bracket is limited to a single predetermined radialposition, said predetermined radial positioning of said switch in saidmember and of said member in said bracket ensuring completion of saidlamp circuit by said switch when said lid is open and interruption ofsaid lamp circuit by said switch when said lid is closed, said resilientportion of said bracket holding said lamp in resilient engagement withsaid rim of said lamp mask whereby said member is retained in saidopening in said resilient portion of said bracket.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,075,612 Tregoning Oct. 14, 1913 2,206,094 Hobbs July 2, 1940 2,344,129Clayton Mar. 14, 1944 2,434,065 Courtney Jan. 6, 1948

